Garment with magnetic clasp and methods of using the same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a hooded garment having a device to maintain a position of the hood on the wearer&#39;s head. In some embodiments, the hood may have one or more magnets positioned in a superior aspect of the hood that is operable to magnetically clasp to a ferrous metal object in headwear worn by the wearer. The one or more magnet clasps may be positioned at or near a seam location at the top medial aspect of the hood.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to hooded garments that include a mechanism for holding the hood in place on the body. The garment may have one or more magnetic elements embedded in the hood to magnetically clasp to an underlying structure.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

Hooded garments are commonly worn to provide protection against weather, cold, and the sun. Hooded garments have recently become particularly popular. Being made of various fabrics, hoods have a tendency to slide over the head of the wearer as the wearer moves. There are is desire by some wearers to hold the hood of a hooded garment in a particularly position over the head without pulling the hood completely over the head, e.g., to leave one's face fully exposed, to allow for some ventilation for the head, or to keep another garment such as a hat partially exposed. A device for enabling stable hood placement is lacking and is desired.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a hooded garment with a convenient to use device to hold the hood in a desired position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a hooded garment having a device to maintain a position of the hood on the wearer's head. In some embodiments, the hood may have one or more magnets positioned in a superior aspect of the hood that is operable to magnetically clasp to a ferrous metal object in headwear worn by the wearer. The one or more magnet clasps may be positioned at or near a seam location at the top medial aspect of the hood.

In some embodiments, the hood may include a single magnetic element in a predetermined position along the upper medial aspect of the hood. In other embodiments, the hood may include a plurality of magnetic elements that are distributed along the upper medial aspect of the hood (e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.). In other embodiments, the magnetic element may be an elongate strip that runs along at least a portion of the upper medial aspect of the hood, such as along entire length of the seam of the upper medial aspect of the hood or along half the length of the seam of the upper medial aspect of the hood, etc. In further embodiments, the magnetic element may be positioned on a track that runs along at least a portion of the upper medial aspect of the hood, such that the position of the magnetic element can be adjusted to the preference of the wearer. The track may be a zipper construction with the magnet connected to the slider body of the zipper that is operable to be moved along the chain of the zipper between the distal stops of the zipper. The zipper may be hemmed into the top medial surface of the hood such that moving the slider body along the chain does not open or close any aspect of the hood construction, and serves only to move the magnet along the upper medial aspect of the hood. In further embodiments, the magnetic element may be positioned on other types of tracks in the upper medial aspect of the hood, such as a small flexible polymer track having an embedded mechanical traveler that can be moved along the track. The magnetic element may be connected to the traveler.

In some embodiments, the one or more magnetic elements may be permanent magnets. For example, the one or more magnetic elements may be rod-like magnets that can be incorporated into the seam or be positioned near the seam at the top medial surface of the hood (one or more magnets along the length of the seam). In other examples, the one or more magnetic elements may have a disk shape that can be incorporated into the seam or be positioned near the seam at the top medial surface of the hood. In further examples, the one or more magnetic elements may include combinations of rod-like magnets, disk-like magnets, and/or magnets of other shapes incorporated into the seam or be positioned near the seam at the top medial surface of the hood. In some embodiments, the magnets may be positioned on either or both sides of the seam at the top medial surface of the hood. In still further embodiments, the magnetic element may be a small strip-like electromagnet incorporated into the seam or be positioned near the seam at the top medial surface of the hood. The electromagnet may be powered by a primary or rechargeable secondary battery (e.g., a lithium ion battery) operable to provide sufficient power to the small electromagnet (e.g., at least 1.5 V battery).

The magnetic element of the present invention may provide a clasping mechanism to connect to an underlying garment such as a hat or other head covering that includes a ferrous metal structure to which the magnetic element can magnetically connect. For example, baseball caps typically have a ferrous metal (steel) button at the top of the hat to which the magnetic element can connect, thereby arresting the position of the hood and preventing the hood from slipping from the position. Other headwear and head gear include metallic elements as well. For example, some skull caps and beanies have ferrous metal buttons located at the top thereof that can serve as a connection point for the magnetic element.

In some embodiments, the invention may include a second magnetic element may that is operable to be connecting to underlying headwear or headgear to provide a connection point for the one or more magnetic elements in the hood. For example, the second magnet may be attached to a clip that is operable to attach to a headband (e.g., on a set of headphones) or a piece of headwear, on a hair clip, or other connector to items that may be worn on the head.

The present invention provides a hooded garment having a magnetic element to maintain a position of the hood on the wearer's head. The garment may be designed one or more magnet clasps may be positioned at or near a seam location at the top medial aspect of the hood. The embodiment of the invention disclosed herein is for positioning the hood of a hooded garment in the wearer's preferred position. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below for illustrative purposes, without limiting the scope of the invention.

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a hooded garment comprising a hood extending upward from a neck region; a space formed in an upper area of the hood; and at least one magnetic element positioned in said space, wherein said magnetic element is operable to magnetically engage with a ferrous metal positioned on an upper portion of a wearer's head. The hood may include an inner lining material and an outer hood material, forming adjacent layers. The space may be located between the inner lining material and the outer hood material in the upper area of the hood. The space may be located along a seam running along the top upper portion of the hood. The at least one magnetic may include a plurality of magnets that are positioned along a medial area of the upper area of the hood. The plurality of magnets may include magnets having various shapes. The at least one magnetic element may be a permanent magnet. The at least one magnetic element may be an electromagnet. The hooded garment may further comprise a second magnetic element connected to an anchoring element that is attached to headgear, headwear, or other items present on the head of the wearer, wherein said at least one magnetic element is operable to magnetically connect with the second magnet when the hood is positioned over the head.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a hooded garment comprising a hood extending upward from a neck region having at least one magnetic element embedded therein, wherein said magnetic element is operable to magnetically engage with a ferrous metal positioned on an upper portion of a wearer's head. The hood may include an inner lining material and an outer hood material, forming adjacent layers, and a space is formed in an upper area of the hood between said inner lining material and said outer hood material. The space may be located along a seam running along the top upper portion of the hood. The at least one magnetic may include a plurality of magnets that are positioned along a medial area of the upper area of the hood. The plurality of magnets may include magnets having various shapes. The at least one magnetic element may be a permanent magnet. The at least one magnetic element may be an electromagnet. The hooded garment may further comprise a second magnetic element that includes either ferrous metal or a permanent magnet, wherein said second magnetic element is connected to an anchoring element that is attached to headgear, headwear, or other items present on the head of the wearer, wherein said at least one magnetic element is operable to magnetically connect with the second magnet when the hood is positioned over the head.

In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of using a hooded garment, comprising placing a garment or device on a wearer's head, said garment or device having a magnetic element that includes either ferrous metal or a permanent magnet; and placing a hood of said hooded garment over said garment or device having a hood magnet therein, and aligning said hood magnetic element in an upper area of the hood with the magnetic element of said garment or device such that said hood magnetic element and said magnetic element of said garment or device are magnetically engaged. The hood may include an inner lining material and an outer hood material, forming adjacent layers. The hood may include a space located between the inner lining material and the outer hood material in the upper area of the hood located along a seam running along the top upper portion of the hood. The at least one magnetic may include a plurality of magnets that are positioned along a medial area of the upper area of the hood. The plurality of magnets may include magnets having various shapes. The at least one magnetic element may be a permanent magnet. The at least one magnetic element may be an electromagnet.

The present invention provides a hooded garment that reliably maintains its position on the wearer's head and methods of using the same. It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a back view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a first side view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a second side view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a top view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a top view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a top view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a hooded garment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these figures and certain implementations and examples of the embodiments, it will be understood that such implementations and examples are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. References to various features of the “present invention” throughout this document do not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced features. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details or features.

Reference will be made to the exemplary illustrations in the accompanying drawings, and like reference characters may be used to designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

As shown in FIGS. 1-11, the present invention relates to a hooded garment 100 for having one or more magnetic elements for holding the hood 101 of the garment 100 in place over the wearer's head. The hood 101 may be positioned over the head of the wearer in a predetermined position. The hood 101 includes an upper area 102 that is positioned over the head of the wearer in which magnetic elements may be attached to or embedded in the hood 101. The hood 101 may have an outer, superior layer 102 and an inner, inferior liner layer of material 103, which contacts the head of the wearer. The inner and outer layers may be made of one or more typical clothing fabric such as cotton, polyester, nylon, rayon, etc. The hood 101 may include a space 104 between the inner and outer layers in which the one or more magnetic elements may be positioned.

The magnetic elements 110 may be permanent magnets or electromagnets with a small power source. The magnets 110 may be operable to magnetically connect to an underlying headgear 120 (or other item worn on the head) having a magnetically interacting element (e.g., a ferrous metal structure, or a magnet), such as the metal button 121 on the headgear 120. The wearer may position the hood 101 such that at least one magnetic element 110 is positioned over the metal button 121 (or other magnetically interacting element) to hold the position of the hood 101 in place as the wearer moves around. The hood 101 may include a single magnetic element 110 in a predetermined position along the upper medial aspect of the hood 101. In other embodiments, the hood may include a plurality of magnetic elements 110 that are distributed along the upper medial aspect of the hood 101, allowing adjustment of the position of the hood 101. In other embodiments, the magnetic element 110 may be an elongate strip that runs along at least a portion of the upper medial aspect of the hood, such as along entire length of the seam of the upper aspect 102 of the hood 101, allowing adjustment of the position of the hood 101. In further embodiments, the magnetic element 110 may be positioned on traveler 125 on a track 126 that runs along at least a portion of the upper medial aspect of the hood 101, such that the position of the magnetic element 110 can be adjusted to the preference of the wearer, as shown in FIG. 10. The track 126 may be a zipper construction with the magnet connected to the slider body of the zipper that is operable to be moved along the chain of the zipper between the distal stops of the zipper. FIG. 10 shows a progression from a first position of the traveler 125 to a second position on the track 126, as indicated by the arrow. Such embodiments, allow the wearer to adjust the position at which the hood 101 is worn on the head.

In some embodiments, the invention may include a second magnetic element 130 may that is operable to be connecting to underlying headwear or headgear to provide a connection point for the one or more magnetic elements in the hood 101, see FIG. 11 above. For example, the second magnet 130 may be attached to a clip that is operable to attach to a headband 135 (e.g., on a set of headphones) or a piece of headwear, on a hair clip, or other connector to items that may be worn on the head.

It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. 

1. A hooded garment comprising: a. a hood extending upward from a neck region; b. a space formed in an upper area of the hood; c. at least one magnetic element positioned in said space, wherein said magnetic element is operable to magnetically engage with a ferrous metal positioned on an upper portion of a wearer's head.
 2. The hooded garment according to claim 1, wherein said hood includes an inner lining material and an outer hood material, forming adjacent layers.
 3. The hooded garment according to claim 2, wherein the space is located between the inner lining material and the outer hood material in the upper area of the hood.
 4. The hooded garment according to claim 3, wherein the space is located along a seam running along the top upper portion of the hood.
 5. The hooded garment of claim 1, wherein said at least one magnetic includes a plurality of magnets that are positioned along a medial area of the upper area of the hood.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. The hooded garment of claim 1, further comprising a second magnetic element connected to an anchoring element that is attached to headgear, headwear, or other items present on the head of the wearer, wherein said at least one magnetic element is operable to magnetically connect with the second magnet when the hood is positioned over the head.
 10. A hooded garment comprising a hood extending upward from a neck region having at least one magnetic element embedded therein, wherein said magnetic element is operable to magnetically engage with a ferrous metal positioned on an upper portion of a wearer's head.
 11. The hooded garment according to claim 10, wherein said hood includes an inner lining material and an outer hood material, forming adjacent layers, and a space is formed in an upper area of the hood between said inner lining material and said outer hood material.
 12. The hooded garment according to claim 12, wherein the space is located along a seam running along the top upper portion of the hood.
 13. The hooded garment of claim 10, wherein said at least one magnetic includes a plurality of magnets that are positioned along a medial area of the upper area of the hood.
 14. (canceled)
 15. The hooded garment of claim 10, wherein said at least one magnetic element is a permanent magnet.
 16. The hooded garment of claim 10, wherein said at least one magnetic element is an electromagnet.
 17. The hooded garment of claim 10, further comprising a second magnetic element that includes either ferrous metal or a permanent magnet, wherein said second magnetic element is connected to an anchoring element that is attached to headgear, headwear, or other items present on the head of the wearer, wherein said at least one magnetic element is operable to magnetically connect with the second magnet when the hood is positioned over the head.
 18. A method of using a hooded garment, comprising: a. placing a garment or device on a wearer's head, said garment or device having a magnetic element that includes either ferrous metal or a permanent magnet; and b. placing a hood of said hooded garment over said garment or device having a hood magnet therein, and aligning said hood magnetic element in an upper area of the hood with the magnetic element of said garment or device such that said hood magnetic element and said magnetic element of said garment or device are magnetically engaged.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein said hood includes an inner lining material and an outer hood material, forming adjacent layers.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the hood includes a space located between the inner lining material and the outer hood material in the upper area of the hood located along a seam running along the top upper portion of the hood.
 21. The method of claim 18, wherein said at least one magnetic includes a plurality of magnets that are positioned along a medial area of the upper area of the hood.
 22. The method of claim 18 wherein said plurality of magnets may include magnets having various shapes.
 23. The method of claim 18, wherein said at least one magnetic element is a permanent magnet.
 24. The method of claim 18, wherein said at least one magnetic element is an electromagnet. 